Do You Know You Can Visit Up To 26 European Countries With A Schengen Visa?

Many of us do not make use of this opportunity to explore different countries in Europe with Just One Visa. For those of us who do not know the weight of a Schengen visa; The Schengen Visa is the representative of the collective of 26 European countries that have mutually decided to eliminate passport and immigration controls at their joint borders. Generally, a short-stay visa issued by one of the Schengen States entitles its holder to travel throughout the 26 Schengen States for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This means foreigners can enter any of the countries within the Schengen area as long as you have a visa from one of the Schengen countries within the period stated on your visa.

The Schengen visa has to be obtained from the Consulate/Embassy of the country where the main purpose of travel lies. In case you want to travel to multiple Schengen countries, you will have to make your application to the embassy/consulate of the country where you will be staying for the maximum number of days. If the duration of stay is going to be the same for more than one Schengen Visa country, you will have to apply for a visa from the country which will be your first point of entry.

A lot of us are only familiar with the “most popular’ countries in the Schengen area, like; France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Holland… When planning to go on a trip abroad for vacation; what is the motive behind it? I think most of us will say; because I love to travel, it’s a hobby for me, to get away from the hustles and bustles of the country where they reside, to have a quiet time somewhere else alone or with friends and family, to have fun, to visit places they have never been to before (adventure), for celebrations and so many other reasons.

I know of someone who loves to travel at least once a year and each time, to a different country except for some specific reasons. I am also not so cool with the idea of going to one particular destination every time you want to travel out of the country for a vacation.

Some people have been to UK countless times and they claim to go there for holidays each time they visit. Some might say, because, getting a Schengen visa is difficult. There is a very slim chance that you will be denied a Schengen visa when you apply to any of the countries within that area, for someone who frequently visits the UK.

Some might also say because they do not know anyone in other countries, just to cut accomodation cost or to avoid being bored. We always give excuses that are workable when you plan well.

Why not do something different this time around. To experience new cultures, learn and do something new, see new things, get some adventures, eat new food, learn a new language, and all for the fun of it by travelling to other European countries (that are out of the norm) within the Schengen Area when you have a Schengen visa.